| Description | Elizabeth wrote this letter in green ink which she had made herself. She asks her father 'how do you like this ink?', adding that she intended to patent it if her father would patronise her. Elizabeth writes that her sister Margaret (Pearlie) and some of the other girls, including Elizabeth were 'in Miss Trinks black books' for talking when they should have been studying. Miss Trinks, one of the school's principals, had punished the girls by doubling their lessons and reducing their preparation time. Elizabeth writes that Miss Trinks was also concerned about the girls' 'punctuality' and had instigated a system where girls who arrived late for lessons were given a 'bad mark'. The girls were also required to keep their rooms in good order. Elizabeth writes that each Monday an inspection of the girls' drawers, cupboards and bookshelves was carried out. Elizabeth notes that she had received bad marks for her untidiness, adding 'bad marks for unfortunate me shower down in abundance for untidyness'.
Elizabeth was eager to receive a parcel from her family at Christmas 'the time of all others when we shall long to be at home'. Elizabeth suggests that the parcel could include 'a Christmas plum pudding, & a piece of Mistletoe to hang up'. Much of Elizabeth's letter is taken up with remarks about food. Following her appeal for a Christmas parcel she adds 'then you could send us some rasberry jam. Elizabeth describes an occasion when the girls had saved their puddings, cake, tea and milk, eggs and buttered bread from dinner one evening to eat in their bedrooms, remarking 'it was so lovely'. The evening had ended up with 'a bolster match', or pillow fight, Elizabeth writing 'you can't think what fun it was!!!!'
Elizabeth's letter concludes with remarks about clothing adornments including ribbons and bows. She also comments that it would be the girls' first musical concert the following Thursday. |